Structure and Components of the Degree


The Master’s degree is based on a qualification gained in a preceding degree in natural sciences - for example a bachelor in Geology. It is made up of modules (core modules, compulsory modules and supplementary modules) which can be chosen from a list for the winter semester and summer semester. The number of modules depends on the focal point (Geology, Georesources and the Environment, Quaternary Sciences) and semester.  

The structure for the master’s degree “Georesources and the Environment”, which is taught solely in English, is as follows:

Compulsory Modules

The following compulsory modules with a total of 40 ECTS must be completed:

Code Module Semester
PM 29 Personal Profiling 1st Semester
PM 30 Literature Discussion and Thesis Proposal 3rd Semester
  Master Thesis 4th Semester

The course to be defined for “Personal Profiling” will be defined after a personal consultation with the study advisor within the first four weeks of the semester and upon agreement with the student.

Core Modules

The students must choose five of seven core modules with a total of 40 ECTS in the first and second semesters:

Code Module Semester Winter / Summer
KM 4 Advanced Data Analysis in Earth Sciences 1st / 2nd Winter
KM 5 Mineral Deposits and Applications 1st / 2nd Winter
KM 6 Clay Minerals and the Environment 1st / 2nd Winter
KM 7 Georesources and Sustainability 1st / 2nd Winter
KM 15 Aquatic Environmental Geochemistry 1st / 2nd Summer
KM 16 Environmental Hydrogeology 1st / 2nd Summer
KM 17 Geomaterials, Geoenergy and Georisks 1st / 2nd Summer
Supplementary Modules

Students must study supplementary modules (with a total of at least 40 ECTS), chosen from the list of modules on offer for the master’s degree course in the second and third semesters. Students may choose to attend courses only taught in English, but if their German language skills are sufficient, they may also opt to attend courses taught in German.

Code Module Semester Winter / Summer
Winter Semester      
KM 1 Tectonics & Sedimentary Basins 2nd / 3rd Winter
KM 2 (Paleo)-Oceanography 2nd / 3rd Winter
KM 4 Advanced Data Analysis in Earth Sciences 2nd / 3rd Winter
KM 5 Mineral Deposits and Applications 2nd / 3rd Winter
KM 6 Clay Minerals and the Environment 2nd / 3rd Winter
KM 7 Georesources and Sustainability 2nd / 3rd Winter
KM 9 Facies Analysis of Glacial Sediments 2nd / 3rd Winter
Summer Semester      
KM 13 Depositional Environments and Quaternary Geology 2nd / 3rd Summer
KM 15 Aquatic Environmental Geochemistry 2nd / 3rd Summer
KM 16 Environmental Hydrogeology 2nd / 3rd Summer
KM 17 Geomaterials, Geoenergy and Georisk 2nd / 3rd Summer
KM 18 Climate Change 2nd / 3rd Summer
EM 22 Well Log Interpretation in Applied Geology 2nd / 3rd Summer
KM 24 Dendrochronology 2nd / 3rd Summer
Both Semester      
KM 27 Geoscientific Mapping 2nd / 3rd Winter / Summer
EM 28 Mobility Module 2nd / 3rd Winter / Summer
EM 31 Practical Research Experience (in Landscape Ecology) 2nd / 3rd Winter / Summer
EM 32 Advanced Field Skills (in Landscape Ecology) 2nd / 3rd Winter / Summer

The supplementary module with the lowest mark will not be included in the overall mark. Modules that were chosen as core modules cannot be taken a second time as supplementary module.

List of general modules offered for the MSc "Earth Sciences" as pdf-download. (please note: modules with English names are taught in English, modules with German names are taught in German.)

The Examination and Study Regulations [de] for the Master of Science in “Earth Sciences” include several important pieces of information:

  • paragraphs that regulate examinations
  • table with focal points defining Modules [engl]
  • sample study plan for focal point Geology [de], Georesources and the Environment [engl] and Quaternary Science [de]
  • detailed information about module descriptions, qualification targets, type of examination, information on the length of the lectures, the amount of time required and suggested prior knowledge (see module catalogue [de])

The so-called “Personal Profiling” is a compulsory module and part of the degree together with core- and supplementary- modules.  A consultation with the graduate student advisor is required to discuss the personal interests of the students prior to enrolment for that module. The sudy advisor and student agree on the course(s) that serve the interest of the student and/or the requirements for core modules . This agreement will be made between the study advisor and student in writing.

Furthermore, the list of supplementary modules includes a “Mobility Module”, which can be taken up to three times with 8 ECTS each. The Mobility Module can be selected from courses offered at any German or international universities. Therefore, it is possible to integrate a semester abroad into your degree, without having to extend your overall length of study.